Abstract
Food may be defined as the substance that provides nutritional support and essential nutrients such as vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, and proteins for an organism. This substance is digested by an organism that provides energy to cells and stimulates growth. Food items that are produced without chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides) are known as organic foods whereas Non-organic food items are those types of food items in which less than 70% of ingredients are organic.
In this article, we will discuss Non-Organic food items, their adverse effects, and how Ayurveda advises to correct them.
Introduction
With the increase in population drastically in the past 6-7 decades, the demand for food has also increased. So to enhance the productivity, the use of various pesticides, insecticides, and other man-made chemicals on the crops are promoted for doubling their productivity and yield. The Green Revolution and the white revolution in India are the best examples of it.
In India (In 1970’s), the Green revolution is the period when conventional agriculture practices are converted to an industrial system for higher yield by the adoption of modern technology and methods such as bio-fortified high-yielding seeds, use of insecticides, fertilizers, and pesticides. Various food items are produced by these chemicals are known as Non-Organic food. Non-Organic foods are those in which synthetic chemicals are used on the crop to enhance growth. Ready to cook items, frozen items, baked items, commercial items are also included in Non-Organic. Many chemicals present in Non-Organic food items may result in several diseases such as high Blood Pressure, Obesity, Heart diseases, cancer, diabetes.
Difference between non-organic and organic food
Non-organic food is less nutritious than Organic food because organic foods are produced with the help of nature whereas Non-organic foods are grown with the help of artificial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Many harmful chemicals are used in the food and then the residue of chemicals remains left, linked to different organs of the body, and disturb the normal functioning.
1. Pesticides
Farmers definitely want high production of their crops. But in many cases, it may not be possible to grab high production due to the spreading of insects to their fields. Insects are responsible to retard the growth of the crop. For the protection of fields, farmers use many chemicals and insecticides or pesticides. Small quantities of pesticides may contain foods that store toxic substances in the body that result in harmful diseases.
2. Food Additives
Different types of food additives are used to store food items for a long time. Several Chemicals are added during the production of Non-Organic food items to enhance the freshness, appearance, texture, taste, etc. Food additives include preservatives, colors, Artificial sweeteners, etc. some examples are Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Nitrite, etc. These chemicals may cause horrible effects on our bodies.
3. Processed Foods
Processed food is getting common in developed countries day by day. Because these food items are less time-consuming. Processed food items are produced by performing several chemical operations to change or preserve them. Higher amounts of salt, sugar, oil, etc. are used to prepare the processed foods. These unhealthy substances are responsible for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.
4. Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified food items are also known as bioengineered food. It is the modern idea adopted by agriculture to produce food rapidly. Non-Organic food such as vegetables is genetically modified. Genetically modified food may result in long-term harmful effects. Some Examples are Non-Organic Soybeans, Non-Organic cucumbers etc.
Adverse Effects of Non-Organic (Chemical Food)
Overconsumption of Non-Organic food causes several kinds of diseases. Some of these are
1. Brain Damage
The brain is the most important organ in the body. The main function of the brain is to collect sensory information and direct motor responses. If the brain doesn’t work properly then it results in improper functioning of the body.
Various chemicals present in Non-Organic food have their own effect. For example, Organophosphate is a harmful chemical that changes the neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, Due to this chemical, the brain can’t work well, Chlorpyrifos results in the hardening of DNA which retards the cells to perform their functions. Chemicals that are present in Non-Organic food may slow down mental strength.
2. Cancer
A higher frequency of Non-Organic food consumption was directly related to an increased risk of cancer. The chemicals present in Non-Organic foods disrupt the normal function of cells. These food items cause a higher possibility of facing cancer.
3. Fetal Failure
Consumption of Non-Organic food during pregnancy may face horrible problems like a fetal failure. Many chemicals that are used in pesticides cause problems for fetal growth.
4. Slowing the Central Nervous System
Food produced with the help of chemicals (i.e. insecticides) is neurotoxic and also interferes with the activity of nerves. This will slow down the central nervous system.
5. Sluggishness
The main cause of sluggishness is that adding Non-Organic food to our meals every day. Chemicals due to Non-Organic food slow down the functions of body organs which may lead to sluggishness. One more major cause of sluggishness is non-Organic food is less in nutritional value. Due to lack of proper nutrition body organs can’t perform well.
Many other kinds of adverse effects also occur due to Non-Organic food. So it is important to consume healthy and nutritional food for the better functioning of body organs. Improper food with less nutritional value will disrupt your health whereas proper food with good nutritional value will define your health.
As we know about the hazards and possible disease that are being caused by the consumption of non-organic food items. Now, let’s have an Ayurvedic review on it.
Ayurvedic View
Acharya had mentioned the concept of “Virudh ahara” which can be related to Non-Organic food. The drink, food, and medicines, which does displacement of dosha from its site, but does not drum out are known as “viruddha”. Acharya has mentioned many types of Virudhahara in Charaksutra.
- Desha Viruddha (Place)
- Kala Viruddha(Time)
- Agni Viruddha(Digestive fire)
- Matra Viruddha (Quantity)
- Satmya Viruddha (Conduciveness)
- Sanskara Viruddha (Processing)
- Virya Viruddha (Potency)
- Koshtha Viruddha (Bowel)
- Awastha Viruddha (Condition of Health)
- Krama Viruddha (Contradictory to rules)
- Parihara Viruddha (Practice)
- Paka Viruddha (Defect in the process of preparation)
- Samyoga Viruddha (Combination)
- Hrdviruddha (Contradictory to mind)
- Sampat Viruddha (Richness of quality)
- Vidhi Viruddha (Codes)
- Dosa Viruddha (Dosa)
This shloka means that many of the diseases are caused due to improper food. To prevent various incurable diseases, an intelligent man should consume good food in the right quantity.
Nidan Parivarjan
Avoid consuming most of the non-organic food items linked above and replace them by using the seasonal fruits, seasonal vegetables or the crops which are cultivated using natural manure free from artificially prepared fertilizers and pesticides.
Acharya Charka mentioned some of the dravyas which can be consumed on a daily basis. Without any complications these includes
This shloka means that Food like salt, gooseberry, barley, rainwater, milk, ghee, meat, green gram, rice, and honey should be consumed regularly to maintain a healthy body and prevent many diseases. This shloka also gives a description of the Balance diet in Ayurveda.
- Green Gram, Meat- rich source of protein.
- Ghee – fats
- Honey- the source of sugar
- Rock salt-rich source of minerals
- Milk, Gooseberries- the source of Vitamins
- Rice, Barley- rich source of carbohydrates
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we can see that the consumption of Non-Organic food can lead to several types of diseases because of chemicals. Acharya’s said in Ayurveda that the replacement of this Non-Organic food is available. Adding some ingredients in a regular meal gives prevention from various kinds of diseases. Thus, one must be aware of what to eat and what to not.
